Bad Brains are a punk rock band formed in Washington, D.C., USA in 1977. Th… Read Full Bio ↴Bad Brains are a punk rock band formed in Washington, D.C., USA in 1977. They are regarded as one of the pioneers of hardcore punk, though band members have objected to the term to describe their music. They are also an adept reggae band, while later recordings featured elements of other genres like funk, heavy metal, hip-hop and soul. Bad Brains are followers of the Rastafari movement.

Originally formed as a jazz fusion ensemble under the name Mind Power, Bad Brains developed a very fast and intense punk rock sound which came to be labeled "hardcore", and was often played faster and more emphatically than many of their peers. The unique factor of the band's music was the fact that they played more complex rhythms than other hardcore punk bands, also adapting diverse guitar styles into their songs.

Bad Brains have released nine studio albums (one of which is entirely composed of instrumental versions of their early material). The band broke up and reformed several times over the years, sometimes with different singers or drummers. Since 1994, the "classic" lineup of singer H.R. (Human Rights), guitarist Dr. Know, bassist Darryl Jenifer, and drummer Earl Hudson has reunited, albeit performing sporadically.

Discography:
• Bad Brains (1982)
• Rock for Light (1983)
• I Against I (1986)
• Quickness (1989)
• Rise (1993)
• God of Love (1995)
• I & I Survived (2002)
• Build a Nation (2007)
• Into the Future (2012)
• Mind Power (TBA)

Hair
Bad Brains Lyrics

Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴

People ask me everywhere is that really all your hair, I just tell them that if it ain't well it sure don't mean that no I can't. Just don't believe it's fair to judge a man by the lengh of his hair. Take two words, like hip and square the truth will shine and not your hair. Even the blind can damn near see what's outside you and inside me. Down or high the truth or lie. A weak man's laugh can be a strong man's cry. Black or blond or nappy or fair, you can't judge nobody by hair. If I thought that yyou would care I'd wear a wig up undeer my hair. Down or high the strongmans cry. People everywhere ask is that really all your hair. I just tell them if it ain't well it sure don't mean I can't. I just don't belive it's fair to judge a man by the length of his hair.

Overall Meaning

The lyrics to Bad Brains' song "Hair" challenge the societal norms and stereotypes that come with judging people based on their physical appearance. The singer is repeatedly asked if all their hair is real, and responds by saying it doesn't matter because it's not fair to judge someone's worth or character based on something as superficial as hair length or type.

The lyrics go on to explain that true identity and worth come from within, not from outward appearance. The singer makes a play on words with "hip and square" to show that being trendy or conforming to societal beauty standards does not make someone a better person. The truth lies in the person themselves, not in their hair.

The last few lines suggest that the singer would be willing to wear a wig to conform to societal expectations if it meant they would be accepted, but ultimately, the message is that it's more important to be true to oneself and not let superficial judgments define one's worth.

Overall, "Hair" is a powerful message about individuality and self-acceptance in the face of societal pressures to conform.

Line by Line Meaning

People ask me everywhere is that really all your hair
People often inquire about my hair and its authenticity

I just tell them that if it ain't well it sure don't mean that no I can't
I explain to them that my hair's length doesn't limit my capabilities

Just don't believe it's fair to judge a man by the lengh of his hair
It's not ethical to form an opinion about someone based on the length of their hair

Take two words, like hip and square the truth will shine and not your hair
The truth in one's character should shine through, while superficial traits like hair shouldn't be given importance

Even the blind can damn near see what's outside you and inside me
One's external appearance is evident to anyone, but their inner self can only be discerned by a perceptive individual

Down or high the truth or lie
The truth and falsehood can exist regardless of one's physical state

A weak man's laugh can be a strong man's cry
What might seem insignificant to one person might hold considerable value to someone else

Black or blond or nappy or fair, you can't judge nobody by hair
One should refrain from judging someone based on their hair color or texture

If I thought that yyou would care I'd wear a wig up undeer my hair
If I deemed it necessary to conform to societal standards, I would wear a wig under my hair

Down or high the strongmans cry
One can either triumph or struggle irrespective of their external appearance

People everywhere ask is that really all your hair
People inquire often about the authenticity of my hair

I just tell them if it ain't well it sure don't mean I can't
I reassure them that my hair length doesn't limit my abilities

I just don't belive it's fair to judge a man by the length of his hair
I firmly believe it's unjust to form an opinion based only on someone's hair length

Lyrics © Sony/ATV Music Publishing LLC
Written by: Galt Mac Dermot, Gerome Ragni, James Rado

Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind

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